Intelligent data transfer for multiple sensor networks over a broad temperature range

Abstract

A sensor network may be configured to operate in extreme temperature environments. A sensor may be configured to generate a frequency carrier, and transmit the frequency carrier to a node. The node may be configured to amplitude modulate the frequency carrier, and transmit the amplitude modulated frequency carrier to a receiver.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. An apparatus, comprising:
 at least one sensor configured to generate a frequency carrier; and 
 at least one node configured to amplitude modulate the frequency carrier, and transmit the amplitude modulated frequency carrier to a receiver. 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor is further configured to transmit the frequency carrier to the node. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the node comprises a prescaler configured to divide the frequency carrier by an n integer number per bit. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the node further comprises a code generator configured to generate a code sequence from the divided frequency carrier. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the code sequence is uniquely associated with the node of the sensor. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the node further comprises an amplitude modulator configured to amplitude modulate the frequency carrier with the code sequence. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the amplitude modulated frequency carrier comprises an amplitude of the modulated frequency carrier shifting as a function of the code sequence to allow the receiver to identify the sensor. 
     
     
       8. An apparatus, comprising:
 an amplitude modulator configured to amplify a frequency carrier by an output of a code sequence, wherein a sensor is configured to operate in cold cryogenic temperatures and temperatures over 300° C. 
 
     
     
       9. The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the amplitude modulator is further configured to receive the frequency carrier from the sensor through a first path. 
     
     
       10. The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the amplitude modulator is further configured to receive the code sequence from a code generator through a second path. 
     
     
       11. The apparatus of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a code generator configured to generate the code sequence uniquely associated with a node. 
 
     
     
       12. The apparatus of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a prescaler configured to divide the frequency carrier by an n integer number per bit. 
 
     
     
       13. An apparatus, comprising:
 a code sequence generator configured to output a code sequence unique to the apparatus, allowing for a plurality of apparatuses to operate simultaneously, each of the plurality of apparatuses being uniquely recognized by one or more receivers. 
 
     
     
       14. The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the apparatus comprises a node. 
     
     
       15. The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the node is configured to receive a frequency carrier generated from a sensor. 
     
     
       16. The apparatus of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 a prescaler configured to divide a frequency carrier by an n integer number per bit. 
 
     
     
       17. The apparatus of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 an amplitude modulator configured to modulate an amplitude of a frequency carrier with the code sequence, and transmit the modulated frequency carrier comprising the code sequence to said one or more receivers.